2012 Audi A5 facelift range gets various technical updates

In the never-ending quest to satisfy the needs of both consumer and policymaker demands for fuel efficiency and reduced emissions, Audi has revised their engine line-up for the 2012 model year, with the changes reflected with the latest model to be updated – the facelifted Audi A5 range. We’ve already covered some of these changes on the surface in our earlier story – here we go into a little more detail.

1.8L TFSI upgraded to 170 PS to replace 180 PS 2.0L

The baseline 1.8 litre TFSI inline-4 engine has been given a complete redesign, and these changes should later be implemented in the other four cylinder engine sizes, such as the fun 2.0 litre TFSI used in various VAG cars. Power is now up from 160 PS to 170 PS, and this engine now replaces the 180 PS tune of the 2.0 litre TFSI engine.

Something new with the engine is an upgraded fuel delivery system which now features a higher rail pressure (200 bar up from 150 bar) and both FSI direct injection as well as conventional indirect injection. Some carmakers have dabbled with this idea in the past, such as the Toyota/Lexus D-4S system, which also features both injector types.

Under part-load conditions, the system injects fuel at the end of the intake manifold, where it is mixed with air. This is said to help reduce both fuel consumption and particulate emissions, and plays a part in helping the engine meet Euro 6 emissions standards.

Normally aspirated 3.2L V6 replaced with supercharged 3.0L

The normally aspirated 3.2 litre V6 engine has been replaced with a lower output version of the supercharged 3.0 litre V6 TFSI engine, producing 272 PS instead of the original 333 PS tune it was unveiled with.

Normally aspirated 4.2L V8 replaced with supercharged 3.0L

The screaming 4.2 litre V8 in the S5 Coupe has been replaced with the higher output version of the 3.0 litre supercharged V6 engine, making 333 PS. This is an expected mode, considering the different body styles of the S5 like the drop top version have already had the V8 replaced with the blown V6, so now it’s finally the Coupe’s turn to get the more efficient engine.

A more advanced Quattro system

The 2012 model year A5 gets a more advanced quattro all wheel drive system using a crown gear center differential, which first made its debut on the RS5. It also has torque vectoring for more effective torque distribution.

New efficiency mode for Audi drive select

A new mode called ‘efficiency’ has been added to the current range of ‘dynamic’, ‘auto’, and ‘comfort’ modes in Audi drive select. In this mode, various variable systems like the power steering, throttle response, transmission shift point and even the air conditioning system will be adjusted for minimal power consumption.

We expect all of these changes to eventually reach the rest of the Audi range wherever applicable.

After dabbling for years in the IT industry, Paul Tan initially began this site as a general blog covering various topics of personal interest. With an increasing number of readers paying rapt attention to the motoring stories, one thing led to another and the rest, as they say, is history.